Fellowship for What?

"...Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts...."

Acts 2:46 NIV

We can spend our time doing pretty much anything with anyone. The above statement speaks about having fellowship. I've met many lovers of Jesus who do not fellowship on a regular basis. They can spend their time in fellowship with violent video games, unwholesome programs on T.V and degrading movies, immoral sites on the internet, and bad company that corrupts their good behavior.

But can you imagine if these lovers of Jesus would spend time in fellowship with God and each other? Just read around the verses:

"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved."

Acts 2:42-47 NKJ

Wow! Let's list some of the benefits:

1. they were filled with awe
2. wonders and miracles took place
3. they gave to those in need
4. they ate together with glad and sincere hearts
5. they had favor with people
6. the Lord added to there number daily those who were being saved

What great and marvelous benefits!!! It just seems more practical to fellowship with God and each other than with the 'alternatives."

But you know what? Sometimes we get caught up in this ugly thing called sin and not even know it. Our hearts get harden and we avoid anyone and anything that would challenge our pride and bring correction to our lives? Sometimes we just won't humble ourselves? Here are some responces:

DEFENCIVE:

"Shields up Scotty!"

"But no enemy is attacking? All I see is a dear friend looking out for a buddy."

PRIDE:

"What! Who are you to correct me? I've been in the business longer than you pal and I think I'd know when I'm away from God! Don't correct me?"

What should our responce be? We should correct with love, gentleness and sincerity. If it's done in the fruit of the Spirit, correction will be taken when our pure motive is obvious.

Well dear friends... let's encourage each other with the following advice:

"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Hebrews 10:25 NIV